Page 167 of Knot Their Starlet

There’s something about her that transforms when she talks about cameras or video editing. It’s like she becomes a kid again. The thought of her mom dousing that fire of passion with her bullshit makes my gut twist with frustration.

I cling to that feeling.

That anger makes me feel strong. Capable.

If I’m going to talk to my old Pops today, I’m going to need that.

Andi seems to feel my gaze on her, because she turns, offering me a soft, private smile before excusing herself.

“They’re setting everything up for the first part of the interview,” she says when she makes her way to me.

There are a couple of cameras set up on tripods in the Knights’ living room, across from where Beck will be answering Cameron’s questions.

“How long do you think they’ll be occupied for?” I ask softly, my hands shoved in my pockets.

“Few hours, at least. This is the first real interview Cameron’s doing, so it’ll probably take a bit of time for them to get into a good flow, especially since this interview is going to be used for both articles and video-format stuff.”

“More than enough time,” I nod. “Want to come help me out?”

“Of course,” she nods, offering me a warm smile.

“Let’s go, then,” I say, jerking my head towards the kitchen.

Jenny and Bryce, Beckham’s dad, are sharing a quiet moment together.

Their gazes fall on me, and I freeze, realizing Jenny is wiping away a few tears.

“Shit, sorry Mrs. Knight, didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not interrupting anything, I’m just... so proud of you bunch,” Jenny says, dabbing at her eyes with a kitchen towel before tossing it at me playfully. “And it’s Jenny! Not Mrs. Knight.”

Jenny is nice enough to say “you bunch,” but I know it’s really her being proud of Beck. I don’t mind. If Beck weren’t here, there certainly wouldn’t be a whole bunch of people in any of our childhood homes videotaping an interview.

“What did you need, Eli?” Bryce asks, offering his wife’s arm a little squeeze of reassurance before turning towards me.

“I was wondering whether I could borrow the truck for a few hours?”

“Of course you can,” Bryce says, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his keys. “Where are you headed?”

“Andi and I are going to... visit my family.”

Their eyes go wide before they both offer me a nod. I don’t like the change in their expressions. It’s an uncomfortable mix of pity and concern.

“Are you sure, Eli? I know...” Jenny’s lips purse as she struggles to find the right words to say.

“Don’t worry,” Andi says, bumping into me and drawing all of our attention to her. “I’m acting as his bodyguard.”

They both blink at her, and she flashes them a charming grin, pulling up her sleeve and flexing.

“What? I don’t look like I could be one?”

“Put the lethal weapons away,” I huff, rolling my eyes. “We’ll be back later.”

“No rush, Eli,” Bryce nods, his brows draw down ever so slightly as his gaze darts between Andi and I.

My hand rests at the small of her back as we make our way out of the kitchen.

“We’re headed out, Beck,” Andi says, offering him a little finger wave.